What is Pentecost?
In 2024, Pentecost Sunday is May 19th.
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Pentecost is a significant event in the liturgical calendar for Christians. It holds great importance as it commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and followers of Jesus Christ, as described in the New Testament book of Acts. This event occurred fifty days after Easter, hence the name Pentecost which means "fiftieth day" in Greek.
Pentecost occurred during one of three major Jewish festivals that caused many visitors to come to Jerusalem from all over the Mediterranean world. |
The Day of Pentecost, celebrated 50 days after the Resurrection of Jesus, marks the day when the disciples felt a renewed sense of connection with their risen Lord. Pentecost marks the moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles in the form of tongues of fire, empowering them to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ. This event is viewed by many as the "birth of the Church" as it marked the beginning of the Christian community.
As the Pentecost story is described in the Bible, each person present could understand the preaching of the apostles, even though they spoke different languages. The Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to speak in different languages, allowing them to communicate with people from various regions and backgrounds. This event symbolizes the universality of the Christian message and the breaking down of barriers between people.
As the Pentecost story is described in the Bible, each person present could understand the preaching of the apostles, even though they spoke different languages. The Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to speak in different languages, allowing them to communicate with people from various regions and backgrounds. This event symbolizes the universality of the Christian message and the breaking down of barriers between people.
Pentecost is seen as a time of empowerment for Christians to carry out the mission of spreading the Gospel. The Holy Spirit provided the apostles with the courage, wisdom, and gifts needed to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ boldly.
Pentecost is a time for renewal and revival within the Christian community. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, inspiring them to continue their spiritual growth and witness to their faith.
Pentecost is a significant moment in the liturgical calendar that celebrates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Christian Church, while also reminding believers of their call to spread the message of love, unity, and redemption to the world.
What does the Bible say about the Day of Pentecost?
Acts 2:1-12 NRSV*
Acts 2:1-12 NRSV*
1 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.
2 And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.
3 Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them.
4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
5 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem.
6 And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each.
7 Amazed and astonished, they asked, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?
8 And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language?
9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,
10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,
11 Cretans and Arabs — in our own languages we hear them speaking about God's deeds of power."
12 All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?"
2 And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.
3 Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them.
4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
5 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem.
6 And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each.
7 Amazed and astonished, they asked, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?
8 And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language?
9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,
10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,
11 Cretans and Arabs — in our own languages we hear them speaking about God's deeds of power."
12 All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?"
* New Revised Standard Version of the Bible
Pentecost Symbols and Traditions
Pentecost is a significant event in the Christian calendar, commemorating the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the apostles. Understanding the symbols and traditions surrounding Pentecost can deepen one's appreciation for this important religious observance.
Symbols of Pentecost
Fire symbolizes purification and transformation in many spiritual traditions.
In the context of Pentecost, fire is a powerful symbol of the Holy Spirit's presence and divine intervention. The image of fire descending upon the apostles emphasizes the idea of spiritual enlightenment and empowerment. Fire is often associated with passion, zeal, and the energy needed to spread the message of faith. The fiery imagery in Pentecost serves as a reminder of the apostles' mission to ignite the hearts of believers and spread the teachings of Jesus Christ. |
In the Community of Christ tradition, one of our most cherished hymns is “The Spirit of God Like a Fire is Burning”
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Dove: Another common symbol associated with Pentecost is a dove, symbolizing peace and the Holy Spirit. The image of the dove has deep roots in religious symbolism, appearing in various texts and traditions as a representation of purity, grace, and divine presence.
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In the context of Pentecost, the dove holds particular significance as it is often linked to the moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ.
The gentle and serene nature of the dove reflects the peaceful and transformative essence of the Holy Spirit, bringing comfort, guidance, and inspiration to believers.
As a symbol of peace, the dove serves as a reminder of the harmonious unity and spiritual renewal that Pentecost signifies for Christians worldwide. Pursue Peace is a Community of Christ Enduring Principle, symbolized by a dove.
The enduring presence of the dove in religious art and iconography serves to evoke a sense of hope, faith, and connectedness to the divine for those who observe and reflect upon its symbolic meaning.
The gentle and serene nature of the dove reflects the peaceful and transformative essence of the Holy Spirit, bringing comfort, guidance, and inspiration to believers.
As a symbol of peace, the dove serves as a reminder of the harmonious unity and spiritual renewal that Pentecost signifies for Christians worldwide. Pursue Peace is a Community of Christ Enduring Principle, symbolized by a dove.
The enduring presence of the dove in religious art and iconography serves to evoke a sense of hope, faith, and connectedness to the divine for those who observe and reflect upon its symbolic meaning.
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Wind: The powerful wind that filled the house where the apostles gathered is also a symbol of the Holy Spirit's presence.
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In the Bible, during the event of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles in the form of a mighty wind.
This powerful wind symbolized the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, bringing about a transformative experience for the apostles.
The wind is often associated with change, movement, and the breath of God in various religious traditions.
In Christian theology, the Holy Spirit is often depicted as a driving force that empowers believers and brings about spiritual renewal and transformation.
The symbol of wind in Pentecost serves as a reminder of the ongoing presence and work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
Just as the wind is unseen but its effects are felt and witnessed, the Holy Spirit works in mysterious ways to guide, comfort, and empower believers in their faith journey.
This powerful wind symbolized the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, bringing about a transformative experience for the apostles.
The wind is often associated with change, movement, and the breath of God in various religious traditions.
In Christian theology, the Holy Spirit is often depicted as a driving force that empowers believers and brings about spiritual renewal and transformation.
The symbol of wind in Pentecost serves as a reminder of the ongoing presence and work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
Just as the wind is unseen but its effects are felt and witnessed, the Holy Spirit works in mysterious ways to guide, comfort, and empower believers in their faith journey.
Traditions of Pentecost
These traditions are not based upon any Biblical techings, but have evolved over time in the Christian tradition to celebrate Pentecost.
Wearing Red: Many Christians wear red clothing on Pentecost to symbolize the flames of the Holy Spirit.
Feast of Pentecost: In some cultures, Pentecost is celebrated with special church services and festive meals.
Reading Acts 2: It is a common tradition on Pentecost to read the account of Pentecost in the book of Acts chapter 2. (See above scripture.)
These traditions are not based upon any Biblical techings, but have evolved over time in the Christian tradition to celebrate Pentecost.
Wearing Red: Many Christians wear red clothing on Pentecost to symbolize the flames of the Holy Spirit.
Feast of Pentecost: In some cultures, Pentecost is celebrated with special church services and festive meals.
Reading Acts 2: It is a common tradition on Pentecost to read the account of Pentecost in the book of Acts chapter 2. (See above scripture.)
Project Zion Podcast Episode 76: Common Grounds - Pentecost
Project Zion Podcast Episode 586: Coffee to Go - Pentecost
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The Spirit of God like a fire is burning! It’s Pentecost Sunday, and in this episode of Coffee to Go, cohosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith explore the scripture text that tells of this spirit-filled day. Put on something red, and join them as they discuss the radical inclusivity that plays out on this day in the journey of the disciples, and how the Spirit continues to be present in the quiet and in the chaos.
For more information on breathing peace and other spiritual practices for kids, go to: https://www.allthingsarespiritual.org/spiritual-practices-for-children-and-youth.html
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Project Zion Podcast Episode 710: Coffee to Go - Pentecost
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Goodness, gracious, great tongues of fire! It’s Pentecost, and anything is possible when the Holy Spirit is on the loose and seeking to infiltrate your heart. By the way, if the thought of people from all over the world speaking in their own language and you understanding without a translator being present is confusing, intriguing and maybe even a little frightening … fear not … you’re not alone. That kind of thing has been happening since way back “in the day” … Jesus’ day! Grab a cup of your favorite morning beverage … Karin and Blake are waiting!
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Community of Christ Blog Posts:
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The Flame That Heals: Pentecost
"Pentecost is one of those sacred stories that lives in me continually. It is foundational to my personal faith. It is a story that influenced the richly spiritual experimental impulse at the beginnings of our own movement—to dare to imagine holding “all things in common” and living sacrificially and sacramentally together to bring dreams to life and to pursue justice in ways that felt unimaginable at the time."
A Pentecost and Spirituality blog post by Katie Harmon-McLaughlin director of Formation Ministries for Community of Christ.
Pentecost: ‘Just Tell the Love of Jesus’
It’s true the church is facing numerous challenges. In some places, membership is shrinking. In other places, membership is growing faster than the church can provide disciple formation and support. Around the world, we face financial constraints that will drive us to make difficult, previously unimagined decisions. Amid all that, we still need to discern leadership for the future and keep our hearts and minds focused on living Christ’s mission. It can feel overwhelming.
Pentecost blog post by Stassi D. Cramm who serves as a member of the First Presidency of Community of Christ and counselor to the president of the church.
Pentecost: "Touch Me, Lord"
In the season of Pentecost, when worship planners look for a hymn to convey deep spiritual longing with musical, soul-moving sound, they often choose, “Touch Me, Lord, with Thy Spirit Eternal.”
Arguably one of the most popular and meaningful new hymns that emerged from Hymns of the Saints, published in 1981, this song has found a place in our hearts. In the intervening years, the text has been translated into French and Spanish, and the hymn is listed as part of the Core Repertoire in Community of Christ Sings (2013). It is sung around the world.
Arguably one of the most popular and meaningful new hymns that emerged from Hymns of the Saints, published in 1981, this song has found a place in our hearts. In the intervening years, the text has been translated into French and Spanish, and the hymn is listed as part of the Core Repertoire in Community of Christ Sings (2013). It is sung around the world.
Pentecost blog post by Jane M. Gardner Community of Christ presiding evangelist.
Pentecost Activities
Looking for ideas on how to commemorate Pentecost in a meaningful way? We would recommend our Spiritual Practice Resource page for Spiritual Formation information and activities.
Spiritual Practice Resources
Pentecost Sunday Worship Service
Beyond the Walls Online Church May 2023
Beyond the Walls Online Church May 2023
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Walking through the streets of historic Quebec City, John Hamer of Toronto Centre Place reflects on how“The Spirit of God” is alive today, speaking to all people in every tongue. Ministers from Bolivia, Brazil, Germany, Haiti, the Netherlands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, and Taiwan retell in their own language the stories of the Tower of Babel and Pentecost. We invite you to welcome the Spirit in you in the present moment as we celebrate Pentecost Sunday with our global community. Beyond the Walls – The Spirit of God.
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